Master of Arts in Professional and Applied Ethics

Ethical issues have gained increased prominence in public thinking. In particular, ethical issues involving the business community, the medical profession and State and Federal Governments have generated enormous public debate. The awareness of the ethical dimensions of public policy continue to be of huge importance to Australian society. This course provides a much needed opportunity for professionals, public servants and recent graduates to explore these issues in depth.

Course coordinator:
Dr Neil Levy
Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics
School of Philosophy
Email: nllevy@unimelb.edu.au

Students who have completed this program will:

• understand and analyse complex ethical issues;

• detect ambiguity, vagueness, inconsistency, and other weaknesses in the expressions of ideas;

• distinguish different types of question, claim or argument, and respond to them appropriately;

• distinguish what is relevant to a given issue from what is not;

• see ways in which an argument or explanation could be improved.

• two compulsory subjects

• one of the following options:

OPTION 1:

• A thesis (37.5 points)

• 3 elective subjects
  
  OR

OPTION 2:

• A thesis (50 points) and

• 2 elective subjects

Total 100 points. Subjects are 12.5 points each unless otherwise stated.

The minimum entry requirement is:

• a four year Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant area of study with at least H2B (70%) average; or
• an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant area of study with at least H2B (70%) average and two years of documented relevant professional experience.

Documented evidence of relevant professional experience:

Applicants seeking admission on the basis of an undergraduate degree and two years professional experience must provide the following documentation in support of their application:
• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees ;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability